What Are the Financial Requirements to Sponsor a Spouse from Vietnam or the Philippines?
When you sponsor your husband or wife for a U.S. immigrant visa, the government wants to see that there will be adequate financial support once your spouse becomes a lawful permanent resident (“Green Card Holder.”). For most marriage-based cases, this requires completing a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”) and showing that you meet […]
How to Prove a Bona Fide Marriage for a U.S. Spousal Visa
Applying for a U.S. visa based on marriage, commonly known as a Spousal visa, requires more than showing that you are legally married. The U.S. government must also be satisfied that you entered into the marriage in good faith and not primarily to obtain an immigration benefit. For couples living in different countries, proving the […]
How to Petition Your Vietnamese Spouse for a U.S. Green Card?
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen does not automatically grant a Vietnamese spouse the right to live permanently in the United States. Before a Vietnamese spouse can immigrate to the United States, the U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (“Petitioner”) must first establish the marital relationship, complete the required documentation and have the process go through […]
K-1 Fiancé(e)’ Visa vs. CR-1 Spousal Visa: Which is the Right Path For Your Vietnamese Fiance(é) Or Spouse?
For many American and Vietnamese couples looking to immigrate to the United States, a major question is whether they should apply for a K-1 fiancé(é) visa or a CR-1 spousal visa. While both lead to lawful permanent residence status (“Green Card”), they work very differently. A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a Vietnamese fiance(é) to enter […]
What is a K-3 Visa and How is it Different from a CR-1/ IR-1 Visa?
When researching U.S. family visa application options to the U.S., some couples may inquire on what the K-3 visa is and whether it is the fastest U.S. visa for family members based on marriage. Defining the K-3 Visa A K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to a foreign spouse married to a U.S. citizen. […]
Where Should You Get Married? United States vs. Vietnam Immigration Paths
Whether to get married in the United States or Vietnam is one of the most consequential decisions a Vietnamese-American couple will make, because where you marry determines which U.S. immigration visa path is available to you, how long you will be separated, and what rights your spouse has upon arrival in the United States. For […]
What is a Form I-130A? Complete Guide for Spouse Beneficiaries 2026
A Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is required in every marriage-based Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”). The supplemental form is submitted with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) at the time of filing the Form I-130 which contains important background details about the foreign spouse. Additionally, it helps […]
CR1 Visa Guide: Eligibility, Process, and Costs Explained
CR-1 Visa: Eligibility, Process, Costs, and Timeline Explained When couples begin exploring U.S. immigration options, one of the first questions that often comes up is “What is a CR1 visa?” The CR1 is a U.S. immigrant spouse visa that grants conditional permanent residency (“Green Card”) to foreign spouses married to U.S. citizens for less than […]
What is a K-3 Nonimmigrant visa?
What is a K-3 nonimmigrant visa? A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States while their Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“I-130 Petition”) is undergoing adjudication with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The goal of a K-3 is […]
Understanding Immediate Relative (IR-1) And Conditional Resident (CR-1) Visas For Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Quick Comparison: IR-1 vs CR-1 Visa IR-1 Visa CR-1 Visa Full name Immediate Relative Conditional Resident Marriage length required 2 years or more at time of visa issuance Less than 2 years at time of visa issuance Green Card received 10-year Green Card — immediately on entry 2-year conditional Green Card Additional filing required? No […]